Microsoft Starts Windows Phone 7.8 Roll Out

Microsoft has begun rolling out Windows Phone 7.8 to smartphones incompatible with the latest version of the mobile operating system, Windows Phone 8.

The update is part of an effort to appease early supporters of Windows Phone who felt betrayed by the fact their devices wouldn’t be compatible with Windows Phone 8, which was launched in November.

Windows Phone 7.8 brings a number of features such as resizeable tiles, a new lock screen and more themes. Microsoft also said it intends for a number of new, cheaper phones to run the software in order to broaden the appeal of the platform.

Windows Phone 7.8

Nokia has said that update notifications should appear on its compatible devices in the next few weeks for owners with an unlocked phone or operator approved software. The Nokia Lumia 510, 610, 710, 800 and 900 are all eligible to receive the update.

Once the notification appears, Nokia says users should connect their device to either Zune for PC or the Windows Phone app for Mac.

“These new benefits, together with the new look Start screen, will make your Lumia feel like a brand new smartphone,” said Nokia in a blog post. “Delivery of the update is operator dependent, meaning you will receive a notification in the coming weeks if you have an unlocked phone or if your operator has approved the update.”

“If you don’t receive the update notification within the next three weeks, please contact your operator for more information,” it added.

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